Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers | November 10, 2025 | Dog Bite Injuries \ Personal Injury

Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience that often leads to physical injuries, emotional distress, and unexpected financial burdens. If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident in Ontario, you may wonder who bears legal responsibility and what options you have for recovering compensation.

Unlike some jurisdictions where dogs get “one free bite” before owners are held liable, Ontario has strict liability laws that hold dog owners accountable regardless of their pet’s history. These laws help protect your rights and enable you to pursue fair compensation after a dog bite accident.

Key Takeaways

  • In Ontario, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act.
  • Owners can be held responsible even if their dog has never shown aggressive tendencies before.
  • Multiple individuals might qualify as “owners” under the law, expanding potential liability.
  • Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and psychological trauma.
  • Taking proper steps immediately following a dog bite incident strengthens your legal position.
  • Working with a dog bite injury lawyer improves your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Table of Contents

Dog Bite Laws in Ontario

Ontario’s approach to dog bite liability is governed by the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA). Under this legislation, dog owners are liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack by their dog, regardless of whether they were negligent or aware that their dog might be dangerous.

Section 2(1) of the DOLA states: “The owner of a dog is liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack by the dog on another person or domestic animal.”

The strict liability standard means that, unlike other types of personal injury claims, you don’t need to prove the owner was negligent or that they failed to take reasonable precautions. The simple fact that their dog caused your injury is sufficient grounds for a valid claim.

This approach acknowledges that owners choose to keep dogs and should therefore be held responsible for any harm those dogs may cause. It also acknowledges that victims typically have no control over a dog’s behaviour and shouldn’t bear the financial burden when injured by someone else’s pet.

Who Bears Responsibility for a Dog Bite?

Under Ontario law, the responsibility for a dog bite falls squarely on the owner of the dog. The Dog Owners’ Liability Act makes it clear that the owner is liable for any damages resulting from their dog’s bite or attack.

This definition means that responsibility remains with the dog’s owner even when the dog is in someone else’s temporary care. For example, if your neighbour’s dog bites you while being walked by the neighbour’s teenager, the neighbour (as the dog’s owner) would still be legally responsible.

In situations where multiple people might be considered to “possess or harbour” the same dog, Ontario courts have typically held all such individuals jointly liable. This provides victims with multiple potential sources for recovering compensation.

When Liability May Be Reduced

While Ontario’s liability standard makes it easier for victims to establish a claim, there are circumstances where the owner’s liability may be reduced. These typically involve situations where the victim’s actions contributed to the incident.

Liability might be diminished if:

  • The victim provoked the dog through threatening behaviour or physical aggression
  • The victim was trespassing on property where the dog was lawfully present
  • The victim was committing a criminal act at the time of the bite
  • The victim assumed the risk, such as a veterinarian or dog handler who knowingly works with aggressive dogs

Even in these scenarios, liability is rarely eliminated entirely. Ontario courts typically apply a “contributory negligence” approach, reducing compensation proportionally to the victim’s degree of responsibility rather than dismissing the claim outright.

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite injuries can range from minor wounds requiring minimal treatment to severe injuries necessitating surgery, hospitalization, and long-term rehabilitation. The compensation available in a dog bite injury claim aims to address both the immediate and long-term impacts of these injuries.

Victims may be entitled to recover damages for:

  • Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation therapies, and future medical care related to the injury.
  • Lost Income: Compensation for time missed from work during recovery and potential future income loss if the injury affects your ability to work long-term.
  • Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages recognizing physical pain and discomfort caused by the injuries.
  • Psychological Trauma: Compensation for emotional distress, including fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress related to the incident.
  • Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for the long-term impact of visible injuries, especially dog bite scars on exposed areas.
  • Property Damage: Reimbursement for clothing, accessories, or other personal items damaged during the attack.

The value of a dog bite claim depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, the victim’s long-term prognosis, their age and occupation, and the impact on their quality of life. More serious injuries resulting in permanent disability, disfigurement, or psychological trauma typically warrant higher compensation.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident

If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog

  1. Ensure your immediate safety. Move away from the dog to prevent further injury while trying to remain calm.
  2. If possible, gently wash the bite area with soap and warm water for several minutes to reduce infection risk.
  3. Seek medical attention immediately. A healthcare professional can properly clean, assess, and document your injuries.
  4. Collect the owner’s name, address, phone number, and any insurance information. Also, gather details about the dog, including breed and vaccination history.
  5. Contact your local animal control agency, public health department, or police to report the incident. This creates an official record and ensures the dog’s vaccination status is verified.
  6. Document your injuries. Take clear photographs of all wounds before and during the healing process.
  7. Preserve evidence. Keep unwashed clothing worn during the attack, as it may contain DNA evidence.
  8. If anyone witnessed the incident, collect their contact information and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement.
  9. Maintain a file with medical reports, treatment expenses, correspondence with the owner, and notes about how the injury affects your daily life.
  10. Contact a dog bite injury lawyer. The team at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers will help you understand your legal rights and options for compensation.

If Your Dog Has Bitten Someone

  1. Remove your dog from the situation to prevent further injury to the victim or others.
  2. Assist the injured person. Offer first aid if appropriate and call emergency services if the injury appears serious.
  3. Give the victim your name, address, phone number, and insurance details.
  4. Provide information about your dog’s rabies vaccination status and the name of your veterinarian.
  5. Report the incident. In most Ontario municipalities, you are legally required to report if your dog has bitten someone.
  6. If you have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, notify your provider about the incident as soon as possible.
  7. Consult with a dog bite accident lawyer for legal advice regarding your responsibilities and potential liability.
  8. Keep documentation of the incident, including communications with the victim and any authorities involved.
  9. Follow any directives from animal control or public health officials regarding quarantine or other requirements.

Choose Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers as Your Dog Bite Accident Lawyer

Recovering from a dog bite can be physically and emotionally challenging. At Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the complexities of dog bite cases and offer the expertise needed to secure fair compensation. Our team brings specialized knowledge of Ontario’s dog bite laws and a proven track record of successful claims. We work to establish liability, document the full extent of your injuries, and build a compelling case for maximum compensation.

When you choose Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers as your dog bite lawyer, you benefit from:

  • Extensive experience handling dog bite claims in Ontario
  • In-depth knowledge of the Dog Owners’ Liability Act and relevant case law
  • Connections with medical experts who can document your injuries and their long-term impact
  • Skilled negotiators who know how to counter insurance company tactics
  • Trial-ready attorneys prepared to take your case to court if necessary

We operate on a contingency fee model, so there’s no cost to get started. You pay only when your case is successful, ensuring fair and accessible representation for dog bite victims regardless of financial circumstances.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, contact Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your case and understand your options.

FAQs About Dog Bite Injury Claims

What is the Average Payout for a Dog Bite in Ontario?

The average payout for a dog bite in Ontario varies based on the severity of the injury, the treatment required, and the long-term impacts. Minor injuries might settle for a few thousand dollars, while severe cases involving reconstructive surgery, permanent scarring, or disability may result in settlements exceeding $100,000. Consulting with a dog bite injuries lawyer will provide a more accurate assessment of your claim’s value.

Are Certain Breeds Treated Differently Under Ontario Law?

Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act applies equally to all dog breeds regarding bite liability. The owner is responsible regardless of the dog’s breed, size, or history. While discussions about Rottweiler dog bite force or other breed characteristics might arise in assessing damages or discussing the incident’s severity, the fundamental liability principle remains the same: owners are responsible for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of breed.

Can I Pursue a Claim If the Dog Has No History of Aggression?

Yes, you can pursue a dog bite claim even if the dog has no history of aggression. Ontario’s liability law means owners are responsible even for a dog’s first bite. The dog’s previous temperament or lack of aggressive incidents is not a valid defence against liability.